I heard of Mahatma Gandhi and his silent protest but never did really get his motivation. Now I realize: “Ghandhi led India to Independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. 1915”

Rolling into 1945, the establishment of the United Nations, with its basic purpose as:
“…To reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person.”

Nelson Mandala – “His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalised racism, poverty and inequality, and fostering racial reconciliation.”

It was absolutely startling to me. So that’s the link in all these events, that’s what so many people has been fighting for and is still fighting.

Take a minute and consider, the many situations that aggravate us as a 1st world country citizen, did it ever occur to you that there are many out there who didn’t even know they should be aggravated about it?

The 30 rights are:

#1 We Are All Born Free & Equal.
#2 Don’t Discriminate
#3 The Right to Life
#4 No Slavery
#5 No Torture
#6 You Have Rights Everywhere
#7 We’re All Equal Before The Law
#8 Your Human Rights Are Protected
#9 No Unfair Detainment
#10 The Right To Trial
#11 We’re Always Innocent Till Proven
#12 The Right To Privacy
#13 Freedom To Move
#14 The Right To Seek A Place To Live
#15 Right To A Nationality
#16 Marriage And Family
#17 The Right To Your Own Things
#18 Freedom of Thought
#19 Freedom of Expression
#20 Right To Public Assembly
#21 The Right To Democracy
#22 Social Security
#23 Workers’ Rights
#24 The Right To Play
#25 Food and Shelter For All
#26 The Right To Education
#27 Copyright
#28 A Fair and Free World
#29 Responsibility
#30 No One Can Take Away Human Rights

But. There is a catch to it. This Human Rights declaration did not have the force of law, it is optional of the country and it’s people to participate. That we, the people pledge to participate in collective voices and actions to uphold.

Case in point:

“With the exception of non-derogable human rights (international conventions class the right to life, the right to be free from slavery, the right to be free from torture and the right to be free from retroactive application of penal laws as non-derogable),[119] the UN recognises that human rights can be limited or even pushed aside during times of national emergency – although the emergency must be actual, affect the whole population and the threat must be to the very existence of the nation. The declaration of emergency must also be a last resort and a temporary measure.

—United Nations. The Resource[119]”

The many voices in neighbouring countries, the lack of resources directed to those during the recent disaster..

While I do take for granted some of the things that happened, some leaders out there brush certain life-changing/threatening matters off; placing greater priority on other affairs that “matters more”.

I certainly think that this little duration spend on reading up what Human Rights is about and why there is so much cry about it in the world is well worth my time. My time as a human being.

Even as I stand on the understanding of human rights; in the fullness of the blood, tears and toil of the forefathers, I am thankful that I am born and bred in the state of Singapore.

The National Pledge:
“We the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people. Regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society base on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness prosperity and progress for our nation.”

Thanks for coming by

Be Bless,
Love,
Amanda

p/s: Although Singapore may fall short by the standards of many, I still regard her current state highly.

Source: Information and text are adapted from various source as indicated in its hyperlink.